Linda Kelly Carroll

November 20, 1951 – February 4, 2017

Linda Kelly Carroll, age 65, of Newark and Smyrna, DE, passed away peacefully while surrounded in love and laughter and with her family and friends by her side on Saturday, February 4, 2017.

Born on November 20, 1951, she was the daughter of the late Robert Kelly and Helen Kelly of Springfield, PA. Linda grew up the middle child of 5, with siblings Sally Gajecki, Robert Kelly, Dotty Sabol and Patty Wilby.

Linda lived her life by conquering her fears. Whether she was dogsledding, skating in the Father/Son hockey game with her son, riding Dumbo at Disney, cheering loudly at soccer tournaments or becoming a beloved substitute teacher for the Smyrna School District, she was always going above and beyond with fierce confidence. She spent her days chaperoning, doing arts & crafts, shopping and having dates with the breakfast crew. She was a devoted mother to 3 kids and grandmother to 3 grandchildren. Family was the most important thing to Linda.

Linda is survived by her daughters, Kellie Buss and Ceara Carroll, plus Carrie Ritrovato along with her sons, Owen Carroll and Eric Buss; grandchildren, Evan, Alexis and Teagan Buss and Myca Ritrovato; and too many nieces, nephews and friends to count.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Saturday morning, February 11, 2017 at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 W. Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Linda’s memory may be sent to Special Olympics of Delaware, 619 S. College Avenue, Newark, DE 19716.

Guestbook

Martha Yates Linde, February 7, 2017

Linda was our cousin, our COUSINLY-EST COUSIN, often posting cousinly items on Facebook, and always keeping up the cousinly communication. I loved her for that and for lots of other things, too.
Linda’s mother, Helen Kelly, was our father, Bob Yates’s sister; and when I look at Linda’s picture I see a younger Aunt Helen. I send many lapsed Catholic prayers to all Kellys, and much love.
–Martha Yates Linde

My condolences to the family and friends of Linda Carroll. I was the paperboy and every week when I was collecting, Linda would greet me with a big smile. She was always nice to me, I still remember the party she threw for Kellys Birthday lots of good times and I never seen her angry. Thank You Linda for treating me like your 3rd son behind John Michalkiewicz.

Linda,
You are a beautiful soul. It was my pleasure and honor to have known you since I moved to Smyrna. I know that you will continue to look over the family you loved and cherished. May God walk with you always. See you again one day.

I will always remember Linda with a smile on her face and with a fierce love for her family. She was a gift and will be missed. My heart goes out to all of you because I know what you’re going through. ❤❤❤
Leslie Hume

Linda I didn’t know you very well but I do know you were a very carrying mom and grand mom. You also were like a grand mom to my grandkids. I do know you will be deeply missed. Owen I am here for you anytime.

Dear Carroll and Kelly families, I was saddened to learn of my cousin Linda’s passing. My mother, Lee Castle was her mother’s first cousin.
I can remember many happy times visiting with Linda, her sweet parents and fun sisters and brother. She had a wonderful smile and an infectious laugh. I am smiling just remembering her warm, happy disposition and the fun we had all those years ago.
Sending love to all at this sad time.

The earth was graced with Linda’s presence for too short a time. She was a loving, generous, caring individual that we should all use as a role model. Linda, you are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find true happiness in Heaven. You will always have a loving place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are also with Eric, Kellie, Ev, Alex & Teagan. Love you all!!